Former Bayern Munich boss Magath has collected just four points from his six games, since succeeding Rene Meulensteen in charge on February 14.

In that time he is understood to have alienated many of his first team squad with a strict training and coaching regime - to the point where officials now fear a player revolt.

The Cottagers find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, five points adrift of West Brom in 17th, who also have a game in hand.

And though the club refuse to concede defeat in their battle to avoid the drop, privately they are preparing for the worst.

When he was brought in by American owner Shahid Khan the belief was that Magath would be the ideal man to inspire a successful survival bid - or at the worst regroup over the summer to mount a challenge for instant promotion back to the top flight.

CURB RETURN? Alan Curbishley is being lined up for a return to Craven Cottage as Magath's successor [GETTY]

But such has been the unrest within the squad at his methods, coupled with the limp way in which the side has performed on the pitch, the alarm bells are already ringing.

Relegation will cause a major financial headache with several players on wages Fulham would find hard to sustain in the Championship.

With major upheaval likely, the club are no longer certain they can rely on Magath to offload players and bring in new faces to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion.

They are showing renewed interest in taking Curbishley back to south west London, after his brief stint as technical director ended with Magath's arrival.

No move will be made until the end of the season, and although Magath last week insisted he would not quit if the club were relegated, that decision now seems certain to be taken out of his hands.